Actress Tori Spelling has written an angry letter to editors of a U.S. tabloid after her young son spotted a headline which falsely suggested her marriage to Dean McDermott is over.

Bosses at America's Star magazine have published a cover story which declares the couple is heading towards a "$300 million divorce", and features a picture of them with their four children, alongside the caption: "Who will get the kids?"

Spelling is furious about the speculation because her five-year-old son Liam became upset after spotting the magazine in a grocery store.

In an angry note to the publication's bosses, she writes, "My son Liam is turning 6 in a couple (of) weeks. His proudest achievement so far in his young life is that he is learning to read... That pride turned to sorrow thanks to Star magazine. He first spotted me on the cover, then Dad, and then a picture of himself and his 3 younger siblings. He was able to read two things out loud, the word DIVORCE (which he proudly sounded out) and the caption above his picture which read 'Who will get the kids?' He became terrified. I had to hurry him and his confused four-year-old sister Stella out of the grocery store and into our car...

"He was asking, 'Why is someone getting us?? Where are you and Dad going?' He was anxiously biting his lower lip and his big blue eyes were filled with tears. My heart sank...."

Spelling also uses the letter to dismiss the split rumours, adding, "I'm so blessed to have him (McDermott) as my partner in life and love and he is the best father to our four children. I'm aware that all that matters is that we know our truth... Dean and I will continue to love each other and our babies and be grateful for the lives we have."